ACVB Invites Web Visitors to Share Stories

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. October 14, 2008

ANCHORAGE, AK, February 7, 2007. The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) has launched an interactive Web site - BigWildlife.net, featuring the city's new brand and highlighting the abundance of activities available year-round in Anchorage. The goal is to provide a venue for Web visitors to participate in the brand. The brand, Anchorage Big Wild LifeTM, was unveiled Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007 at the Anchorage Economic Development (AEDC) luncheon in front of more than 1,100 civic leaders and members. The Municipality of Anchorage, ACVB and AEDC developed the brand during a year-long process with two advertising agencies by conducting research and holding public forums.

The Web site, BigWildLife.net, explains how Anchorage residents work and play in what visitors describe as an amazingly beautiful and wild setting. A typical weekend in Anchorage for many residents includes a bounty of activities including summer fishing for wild Alaska Salmon at Ship Creek, hiking Flattop Mountain, sightseeing, snowmobiling, skiing or taking in the unique culture, art and world-class theatre. Several residents have shared their stories of adventure on BigWildLife.net. The stories explain how Anchorage is a city they choose to live because it's a special place like no other, surrounded by beauty while offering plenty of urban amenities. Residents also describe how they lead a life that's bigger and a little wilder than most.

"The Web site includes breathtaking imagery to portray Anchorage's big wild life, its spectacular views and exciting activities. It's all about how we live, work and play the brand," said Lisa Emery, ACVB Webmaster and Internet editor. "The Web site is a tremendous resource explaining what the brand is, how we got here and provides links directly to the ACVB, the AEDC and the Municipality of Anchorage. It's designed to appeal to residents and visitors of all ages as well as the business community."

BigWildLife.net is inviting more residents and visitors to submit their own exciting stories about life in Anchorage. Ten stories will be chosen monthly. Winners will get an Anchorage Big Wild Life T-shirt or adventure kit.

"The only requirement is that the stories are true, creative and fun," said Emery. "We're interested in hearing stories explaining why visiting and living here allows us to enjoy wild and larger-than-life lifestyles."

In addition to the new Web site, ACVB has also redesigned its own award-winning Web site, Anchorage.net, to correlate with the brand. The site highlights what makes Anchorage unique, including wildlife viewing opportunities, awe-inspiring scenery and epic adventures. It also expands the site's functionality by including trip planning tips, hot specials, trip packages, itineraries and local events.

"Now, the site exposes more content and ensures the most important features are interactive and accessible," said Emery.

Anchorage.net keys in on what the city's brand is all about. In addition, the site features programs ACVB continues to build upon, including the 49thReel.com, which showcases offbeat and colorful podcast stories of activities, events and life in Anchorage as well as Southcentral Alaska.

"The redesign gives Anchorage.net a facelift while incorporating the elements that came out of the city's branding efforts," said Emery. "It allows visitors and residents to have a place on ACVB's Web site to share stories of what it's like to experience epic adventures and live a big wild life," she said.